Qatar expresses deep concern over Afghan caretaker govt’s decisions on women’s rights

Geneva, The Gulf Observer: The State of Qatar expressed on Monday deep concern over the Afghan caretaker government’s decisions which negatively affect Afghan women and girls’ rights, especially suspending their studies in secondary schools and universities and banning their work in non-governmental organizations.

This came in the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva HE Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, within the framework of the 52nd regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar pointed out that Afghanistan is facing many political, security, economic, humanitarian and social crises, the continued restrictions imposed on the banking and financial sectors, and the difficulty of meeting food and medical needs.

Her Excellency called on the international community to continue providing the necessary support to spare the Afghan people from falling into a real disaster, stressing the importance of continuous communication with all parties in order to build a comprehensive and long-term strategy to support women in Afghanistan.

The State of Qatar, in partnership with Indonesia, organized in December an international conference on the education of Afghan women, HE Al Muftah noted.

Her Excellency also highlighted that the State of Qatar has so far pledged more than USD75 million to support Afghanistan, and has supported many development projects and programs, especially those aimed at empowering Afghan women and enhancing their capacities, including scholarships and training programs in various fields.

Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm and supportive position for the Afghan people and their right to live in dignity and achieve their aspirations, affirming the State of Qatar’s continued commitment to working with all international partners, and continuing to provide humanitarian and political support to enhance the Afghan dialogue, reach national reconciliation and a society that enjoys stability, security, peace, development and respect for human rights.